Joe and Sparky Go to School by Jamie Michalak (Candlewick Readers)

The endearing and mismatched pals accidentally latch onto a big yellow bus and leave the cageless zoo for their first trip to school.

Sparky the turtle may be cautious, but when the strange vehicle full of noisy short people pulls away from Safari World, he finds himself stuck on the bus’s roof just the same. Luckily his giraffe friend, Joe, is adventurous enough to take a running jump, too! When they arrive at school, they discover that there’s a lot to learn, like the fact that the restroom is full of little magic "ponds," that you’re supposed to count the peas, not eat them, and that the goal of the day seems to be to get a star. But just when Joe fears that he may have to go home starless, Sparky reminds him of all the ways that his loyal friend already shines. Readers will roll over laughing — and find lots to relate to — in this hilarious new adventure.

Jamie Michalak is the author of the acclaimed Joe and Sparky series. She lives in Barrington, Rhode Island.Frank Remkiewicz has illustrated many books for children, including three books about Joe and Sparky. He lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida.